‘A bit of happiness’: Ben Stokes dedicates to ailing dad

DUBAI: England all-rounder Ben Stokes has dedicated his biggest Indian Premier League innings to his father, who is battling cancer in New Zealand.

Stokes smashed an unbeaten 107 off just 60 balls to help Rajasthan Royals beat holders Mumbai Indians by eight wickets on Sunday, keeping the inaugural IPL champions in the hunt for one of the four playoff places.

Stokes raised his bat and hand with a folded finger after the hundred as a gesture to his ailing father whose middle finger was amputated because of injuries while playing and coaching rugby league.

“Things are a bit difficult right now, but hope this has given a bit of happiness back home,” said an emotional Stokes after recording his highest IPL score with 14 fours and three sixes.

Top effort from @benstokes38 107* and Samson 54* as they steer @rajasthanroyals to an 8-wicket win against #MI.#Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/IuHBbTgEDa

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 25, 2020